cctv4u Blog

There’s been a lot of news press in recent years about the level of CCTV in place across the country, and whether or not it’s really necessary. Many would argue it infringes on our privacy, but is this really the case?

Well, it’s certainly true that there are far more CCTV security cameras in the UK than just about anywhere else in the world. We’re a nation that’s constantly under surveillance, with 2.5 million cameras catching the average person roughly 300 times per day. But does it mean that it’s infringing on our rights?

Not always. The cameras are there for security and to act as a deterrent to criminals, and they can also be used to help convictions come to fruition. If you’re an average person going about your daily business then there’s no reason to worry, as the cameras won’t even notice you’re there. And besides, most people wouldn’t feel half as safe if there weren’t the cameras around, so although some may feel our privacy is at stake the benefits far outweigh it.

There have even been talks in recent weeks about downgrading our reliance on security cameras, so anyone that is concerned is sure to be relieved. But really there’s no reason to worry, because as long as the cameras are in the hands of the professionals they’re not going to abuse their power.

So, while some people may feel that CCTV cameras infringe on privacy, for many there’s really not much to be concerned about. They can provide valuable security and peace of mind, and if you think you need a camera or two make sure to come to us here at CCTV 4U.

A lot of people don’t see the reason for using CCTV, but these are probably people who have never suffered from any form of crime or anti-social activity before. If you need a bit of convincing as to why it’s necessary, here are just a few reasons for using CCTV.

• It can be used for crime prevention to create a much safer working environment. If you run a business, particularly a shop, you could become a target for thieves and criminals. But, having CCTV monitoring devices in place will act as a great deterrent and you’ll be able to work in confidence.
• Any footage can be used as evidence. If you’re unlucky enough to suffer from criminal activity, the footage gained by cameras can go a long way in helping to find the culprit and subsequently getting them convicted.
• It gives you added security in your home. There’s nothing worse than not feeling safe in your own home, and if you’ve been the target of burglary or anti-social behaviour you could benefit from a security camera system. By having CCTV in place you’re bound to feel safer, knowing that anyone will be deterred from doing anything they shouldn’t.
• It can help with neighbour disputes. A similar point to the above, but recorded evidence can be invaluable in helping to resolve any disputes with an unruly neighbour.

These are just a few reasons to use CCTV in your home or business, and that’s not even touching on the benefits of having security cameras elsewhere in society. Above all it can be used for safety and security, and would be well worth considering.

If you’re in the market for some new CCTV equipment, you’re probably wondering where you can buy it. Because it’s such a specialised area it isn’t just something you can nip to the local high street for, and it pays to do your research to find the best appropriate stores.

It’s always best to buy CCTV equipment from the specialists, as they’ll be able to give you all the help and advice necessary to ensure you’ve got the perfect system for your needs. They’ll also have the best range of equipment and most will be able to offer installation as well, and because they’ll be experienced you’ll have nothing to worry about.

But where should you go? Often, heading online will be your best bet. These types of stores will be quite hard to find if you don’t do your research first, so always scour the internet for any that seem appropriate. Online CCTV stores will also be able to give you a fantastic selection of products at the best possible prices, and if you make sure they’re a reliable and top-quality company you can be sure you’ll get great service.

If you want to save yourself the hassle of searching, always make us here at CCTV 4U your first and only port of call. We have all the equipment you could ever need to feel safe and secure, so no matter what your CCTV security needs are make sure to come to us to see what we can offer.

When you think of CCTV, you probably picture the cameras which line our streets and those in shops and businesses. But have you ever thought about using it in the home? CCTV can be incredibly beneficial and there are numerous reasons to try it, and you could soon wonder how you ever coped without it.

By installing CCTV systems in your home, you have complete peace of mind as your security needs are fulfilled. You can’t put a price on feeling safe in your own house, and if you’re in a neighbourhood that suffers from problems such as theft or anti-social behaviour then security camera systems can be a valuable lifeline.

There are plenty of other reasons to have such systems in your home, for example if you’re a wildlife lover and want to see who comes into your garden on a daily basis. It’s a great way to keep track of animal movements, and you could end up with your own wildlife TV show from your very own back yard.

Luckily, with so many different security camera systems available, there’s bound to be something to suit your needs. Fully-assembled kits allow you to get set up in the quickest possible time, and if you’re in the market for security products make sure to come to us here at CCTV 4U. We’ll be able to advise you on what pieces of equipment would be best for you, so make sure to get in touch and experience what complete peace of mind feels like.

While indoor security camera systems, such as IP cameras, are a viable way to protect the interior of a property, to gain the maximum security benefits of CCTV it is likely that you will need to install an external system. This, of course, will present a range of challenges, for example in terms of weather resistance and security. Luckily however, CCTV is so ubiquitous in outdoor usage, that it has adapted perfectly to outdoor performance, incorporating a wide variety of features to maximise its usage.

Vandal Proofing

It is a sad irony that mounting your camera outside can leave it vulnerable to criminal damage. Luckily, however, modern cameras such as dome cameras are more often than not vandal proof and can be fitted securely to a station in order to give added protection. In order to afford your camera with the maximum protection however, you might consider a CCTV housing.

Weather Proofing

The weather can throw up variety of potential issues for outdoor CCTV systems, from moister to wind damage. Luckily however, modern CCTV systems are built to stand even the most boisterous of British weather. In order to limit the possibility of the weather affecting your systems you might consider wireless security cameras, which removes the need for wiring that could potentially be disrupted in adverse weather conditions.

At CCTV4U we have everything you need to set up an effective outdoor surveillance system from cameras to housings, ensuring that whatever the weather you can enjoy top notch CCTV.

In the world of CCTV surveillance, there is a new type of security camera system which is rapidly replacing old, traditional analogue camera systems. Internet CCTV cameras, also known as Digital CCTV cameras, IP cameras or Network cameras are the latest innovation in CCTV systems and are an increasingly popular security option. The main reason for the popularity of these new cameras is their ability to be remotely viewed and operated over the internet.

Internet CCTV security cameras are very different to web cams. Web cams plug into the PC and actually need the computer to be running in order to work. Internet CCTV security cameras work independently, are not plugged into a computer and do not need a computer in order to operate.

To communicate over the internet these cameras just need to be connected to a computer network (a standard home router qualifies as a ‘network’). This is the great advantage over traditional CCTV, as once connected, you can then see live CCTV video feed, view recorded images and even switch motion detection on and off from anywhere in the world using a standard PC or mobile phone. Internet CCTV cameras do not need separate motion sensors as they are able to detect movement by themselves, and send you an email or immediate SMS text message to alert you to a potential incident. You can then log on to the internet to see exactly what is happening and take appropriate action, all within a few minutes.

For many years, CCTV equipment used VHS systems to record security camera video feed. Now, with the advancement of technology, Digital Video Recorders (DVR) systems are more widely used. Although initially more expensive to purchase than VHS, there are many advantages of having a DVR system. Installation is quick and easy; all you need to get started is one DVR unit, one to four CCTV security cameras (depending on your needs), and you are ready to go!

When using VHS, the video cassettes need to be changed every day – sometimes even twice a day, even when using a time lapse VCR which allows for longer recording. In addition to the inconvenience of constantly changing the cassettes, plenty of storage space will also be needed to retain them. The standard of the VHS video playback is initially fine, but when stored over time, the overall quality will decrease.

The most obvious advantage of DVR is that there are no longer any cassettes which need to be constantly changed. The average DVR system will retain video for up to 180 days, depending on how the security cameras are set-up to record; that is six months of retained video! This accessibility is very convenient when travelling, as the CCTV video will be recording whether you are there or not. Reviewing video footage is quick and easy as it is just a click away. For further convenience, DVR can be linked to an Internet connection and accessed remotely from anywhere in the world.

There have been many debates recently as to the legality of having CCTV security cameras in public areas or workplaces. Opponents of CCTV systems are most concerned about the loss of civil liberties as well as the negative impacts of surveillance of peoples’ privacy. Opponents of CCTV have also claimed that, rather than lessening crime, CCTV just displaces crime by encouraging criminal behaviour to move to locations out of its observational reach.

The development of using security camera systems on housing estates has also raised some serious issues. Civil Liberties groups and concerned citizens are questioning the extent to which CCTV is being used more as a tool for social control instead of an effective deterrent to crime.

Many authorities, local businesses and private citizens believe that CCTV is an indispensible tool which is essential for safeguarding the general public. Supporters justify CCTV by stating “if you’re doing nothing wrong then you’ve nothing to fear”. If you have a business establishment in a local shopping precinct and have doubts or concerns regarding security, then CCTV will mean more to your peace of mind than the civil liberties of the vandals who keep damaging your shop premises.

Similarly, an estate resident who is concerned about the safety of their home and family will be more interested in using CCTV to stamp out anti-social behaviour and less interested about any lack of privacy which may result from its use.

CCTV, whether you agree with it or not, will be watching you some time to come.

Crime and anti-social behaviour in Britain is now more of a concern than ever, and protecting your family and belongings has become increasingly more important. People were once able to leave their front doors unlocked but sadly, the times we now live in require us to lock our doors and develop a more robust attitude to security.

Although the threat of crime is the main reason to purchase CCTV systems, people are now acquiring home security cameras for other purposes. Some people use CCTV to help monitor their pets while they are away, while others use security cameras to make sure their kids behave themselves in their absence. Whatever your reason for considering CCTV security cameras, rest assured that there is a solution available to match your budget.

The cost of your new home CCTV security camera system will vary greatly on the features you may require.  State-of-the-art systems which include Digital Video Recorder (DVR) units and spy cameras will cost a lot more than a system using standard cameras or basic webcams.

The typical starting cost for the most basic home CCTV systems can be about £300.  Naturally, you can help lower the costs if you are adept enough to install it yourself.  While £300 will get you a decent but basic security system, around £1,500 will get you a comprehensive CCTV system with multiple cameras that can be placed anywhere at your residence, inside and out.  Whether basic or comprehensive, home CCTV systems will ensure increased peace of mind.

So, you are thinking of installing CCTV security cameras at your home. There are generally two types of cameras you can get which work well in a residence; standard cameras and spy cameras. You may find that there are some variations of cameras which overlap the two categories, typically when cost is not an issue.  The expense of the CCTV is relative to the technology, so smaller, more discreet cameras will cost much more than large, obvious cameras that are clearly visible.

Standard cameras come in a range of shapes and sizes and can be used indoors as well as outdoors.  These cameras are placed in highly visible places to act as a deterrent to those who may want to break into or damage your residence. Sometimes, standard CCTV cameras can also be used to watch potentially dangerous areas to supervise vulnerable family members, such as children as they play in a swimming pool.

Spy cameras are very versatile and are designed to be inconspicuous and not draw attention to their presence. Home spy cameras are typically modified common household objects such as a soft toys, ornaments or clocks.  People may purchase spy cameras as a back up for their standard CCTV systems, to capture the burglar who thought he had evaded the more obvious standard CCTV security cameras. Spy cameras are also more frequently being used to provide peace of mind for everyday situations faced by absent homeowners, such as ensuring responsible party guests and ethical babysitters.